We have very little reason to go to the Gare Montparnasse, unless we are travelling to Brittany. It is a modern station, typical of the all-concrete architecture of the late 20th century, without much interest. It has, however, a garden built on the roof above the TGV platforms though it took perseverance and patience to find it. In arriving at the station, we consulted the site plan and looked for signages but found no mention of the garden​​.

Finally, after turning in circle for a while and looking at all of the stairs going up, we finally found an access. The concept is interesting, a garden above the tracks, but we aren’t convinced that the results are totally successful. Moreover, as it is difficult to find, it was almost empty so lacking a bit in atmosphere.

Here’s the secret if you want to go: the best access is via a staircase next to the track 3, when you get to the top of the stairs, follow the signs to the Jean Moulin Museum and the garden lies at the back of the museum.

La vue du jardin en arrivant par l’arrière; le musée Jean Moulin est dans l’édifice blanc. Le Tour Montparnasse se profile derrière…pas la plus belle tour de Paris. / The view from the garden approaching from the back entrance, the Jean Moulin museum is in the white building. The Montparnasse Tower looming behind…not the most beautiful tower of Paris.Cette section du parc est la plus jolie. On s’immerse dans les grandes herbes pour perdre un peu des bruits de la ville. / This section of the park is the prettiest. You are immersed in tall grass and can forget about the noise of the city.Une autre vue de l’aménagement du parc…beaucoup de béton. Peut-être est-il plus agréable en été quand les arbres sont garnis de feuilles. / Another view of the layout of the park…lots of concrete. Perhaps it is nicer in summer when the trees are filled with leaves.

I think a lot of modern developments get approval because they will have public spaces available. Unfortunately, as you found with this garden, access isn’t as “public” as the city planners would have liked. Nonetheless any green in an ocean of concrete is welcome.

Another hidden gem. Thank you for posting this. Even though je deteste MP station (I always get lost and turned around in there), I think I will make the effort in the New Year to find this secret jardin.